UN Judge Lydia Mugambe Sentenced to Over Six Years for Human Trafficking and Forced Labour in the UK

By Devin Breitenberg

In a landmark ruling, Lydia Mugambe, a Ugandan High Court judge and former United Nations jurist, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison by Oxford Crown Court for human trafficking and modern slavery offenses. The court found that Mugambe exploited a young Ugandan woman, bringing her to the UK under false pretences and forcing her to work without pay as a domestic servant and nanny in her Oxfordshire home.

Exploitation Under the Guise of Diplomacy

Mugambe, 50, was pursuing a PhD in law at the University of Oxford when she orchestrated the victim's entry into the UK. With assistance from John Leonard Mugerwa, then Uganda’s deputy high commissioner in London, Mugambe secured a diplomatic visa for the woman, falsely claiming she would be employed at the Ugandan High Commission. In reality, the woman was compelled to perform unpaid domestic work in Mugambe's private residence in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.

Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe leveraged her status and the victim's lack of knowledge about UK employment laws to maintain control over her. The victim was isolated, denied the opportunity to seek other employment, and lived in constant fear due to Mugambe's influential position in Uganda. The court also heard that Mugambe attempted to intimidate the victim to prevent her from testifying.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

In March 2025, Mugambe was convicted of multiple offenses, including facilitating travel with a view to exploitation, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labor, conspiracy to intimidate a witness, and conspiring to breach UK immigration laws. During sentencing, Judge David Foxton condemned Mugambe's actions, stating she "showed absolutely no remorse" and attempted to portray herself as the victim. He emphasized that, as a qualified lawyer and judge, Mugambe was fully aware of the legal and moral implications of her conduct. The court also ordered Mugambe to pay £12,600 in compensation to the victim.

Diplomatic Complications

The case highlighted challenges in prosecuting individuals with diplomatic status. While Mugambe initially claimed diplomatic immunity due to her UN position, the United Nations waived this protection, allowing the UK to proceed with prosecution. However, John Mugerwa, who played a role in facilitating the victim's entry into the UK, was not charged due to his diplomatic immunity, which the Ugandan government declined to waive.

Institutional Responses

The United Nations' International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, where Mugambe served as a judge, stated it would take appropriate administrative actions to uphold the institution's integrity.

The University of Oxford expressed its condemnation of Mugambe's actions and initiated disciplinary procedures, including the potential revocation of her student status.

Victim Support and Broader Implications

The victim, whose identity remains protected, has been granted asylum in the UK, citing fears of persecution if she returns to Uganda. Organizations like Justice and Care have provided support throughout the legal process, emphasizing the importance of holding perpetrators accountable regardless of their status.

Justice and Care

This case underscores the pervasive issue of modern slavery and the necessity of vigilant legal systems to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

Devin Breitenberg is a legal consultant and senior counsel at Devin Law LLC and legal contributor  for Veritas Expositae.  You can reach her at devin.breitenberg@veritasexpositae.com